UMES unveils new e-fundraising tool

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (Oct. 20, 2104) - University of Maryland Eastern Shore benefactors have a new high-tech way of supporting the institution with their donations - with security a priority as always.

The university's Office of Institutional Advancement has partnered with GiveCorps, an online website that enables UMES to highlight - and target - fundraising efforts.

UMES initially has chosen 13 funds to feature from its portfolio that the fundraising office hopes will appeal to a broad spectrum of donors.

The interactive UMES-Giving site includes photos, an explanation of each fund's purpose and depending on the time of year, an up-to-the-minute accounting of how much has been raised toward a specific goal.

"You'll be able to see in real time what the impact of your gift is on our goal," said Jeremy Whichard, UMES' fundraising development specialist.

The appeal of the new website, according to Whichard, is that UMES supporters can use any electronic device to communicate with it.

"A donor can transfer money from a personal debit or credit account to a secured UMES fund," said Whichard, a 2014 UMES graduate.

And, he noted, there is also a social media component that enables donors to share causes with their Facebook and Twitter friends who may be interested in helping as well.

Among Whichard's tasks is finding ways to connect with younger alumni, keep them engaged with their alma mater and persuade them to support it no matter the amount. The UMES-Giving site also allows donors to specify how their gift should be used.

One approach Whichard is hoping will resonate with his peers suggests that donors commit to contributing $1,000 by authorizing a recurring monthly transfer of $8.33 over 10 years.

Among funds now featured on the site: Circle of Hope, which helps students foot unexpected education bills; Rx for Good - UMES Health Professions fund and The Thunderin' HAWKS Pep Band fund.

For more information about how to be one of the first to participate in this new way of supporting UMES, contact the Division of Institutional Advancement at 410-651-8848 or visit: https://iaumes.givecorps.com/ .